Trump threatens Venezuela

Donald Trump has threatened US military intervention in response to Venezuela's political crisis.

US President Donald Trump has threatened military intervention in Venezuela, a surprise escalation in Washington's response to the country's political crisis.

Venezuela has appeared to slide toward a more volatile stage of unrest in recent days, with anti-government forces looting weapons from the military after the installation of an all-powerful new legislative body.

"The people are suffering and they are dying. We have many options for Venezuela including a possible military option if necessary," Trump told reporters.

The Pentagon said it had not received any orders on Venezuela from the White House.

More than 120 people have been killed and thousands arrested in four months of unrest.